by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

When an athletic director feels compelled to issue a statement in support of his coach a few days before playing a heated rivalry game, it's a pretty telling indicator of what might be about to happen once the game kicks off. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon did just that Wednesday, writing in a blog entry on the school's web site:

"Brady Hoke is our coach and will be leading our program well into the future. There is no question about it."

There's also no question what most people expect from "The Game." Although it will be played at the Big House, just about no one expects an upset. There is a question, though: Whether Ohio State can score significant BCS style points in a rout.

The Buckeyes are favored by more than two touchdowns, and very few would argue. Although they're riding a 23-game winning streak, it's as much a sign of just how poorly this season has gone for Michigan â?? not so much in record, but in actual performance and perceived program momentum.

Year Three under Brady Hoke was supposed to be a breakthrough; instead, Michigan has backpedaled, losing four of its past six games. Hoke said this week he doesn't feel like an underdog, which is nice. Even so, the Wolverines have plenty of motivation, for myriad reasons â?? but just pure hatred and a desire to wreck the Buckeyes' hopes and dreams ought to be more than enough for starters.

In a weekend filled with traditional rivalries, they're not alone. Across the country, games will be filled with extra spice. One example: "It's the battle of L.A.," said USC captain Devon Kennard after practice Wednesday, referring to the Trojans' game with UCLA. "They don't like us, and we don't like them."

The locations change, but the sentiments remain the same for many others this week with something to prove:

Arizona State

Todd Graham's bunch secured the Pac-12 South and a berth in the Pac-12 championship with a 38-33 win over UCLA last week. First, the Sun Devils bring a six-game winning streak to the annual Territorial Cup game against Arizona â?? which happens to be coming off its biggest win under second-year coach Rich Rodriguez, a 42-16 whipping of Oregon. Regardless of what happens against the Wildcats, Arizona State gets another shot at Stanford (the Cardinal won 42-28 back in September) with the Rose Bowl at stake. But a victory would mean more than in-state bragging rights. It would also give Arizona State home-field advantage against the Cardinal.

Missouri

After a rough first season in the SEC, the Tigers have surprised just about everyone in earning at least a share of the SEC East title. But for full validation, they need one more victory and a berth in the SEC championship. Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M shredded Missouri last year (but then, Manziel and A&M have carved up almost everyone for two seasons, with the exception of, ahem, LSU). But statistically, at least, Mizzou has the best SEC defense this side of Alabama, and with James Franklin healthy again at quarterback, the offense is pretty good, too. A win might change the narrative of Missouri football.

Florida

Indications out of Gainesville - this time, it's white smoke rather than public pronouncements - are that Will Muschamp's job remains secure despite the loss last week to Georgia Southern. The Gators face their most difficult challenge in the final game in unbeaten Florida State. If on Saturday the Swamp has great swaths of empty seats â?? and a lot of other seats filled by Seminole fans â?? how will the Gators play? No one expects a win. But playing hard, at least, might be pretty important. Muschamp will enter 2014 on the hottest of seats, after extensive staff turnover. But minds can change. Getting embarrassed at home by a rival won't sit well.

Oregon

Sure, the BCS era has changed everything; the goal for elite programs is the crystal football, and all else is consolation. But it is never good form to suggest the Rose Bowl isn't a big deal. Thus, should we have been all that surprised by Oregon's loss last week at Arizona? Maybe by how it came - a whipping. But that brings the Ducks to this week, and the Civil War. Oregon State has a passel of its own problems, and the Ducks should win easily. But with the stakes somewhat lower (No BCS championship, no Rose Bowl â?¦ Alamo Bowl, anyone?), how motivated will they be?

Duke

This might be the very best hoops rivalry of recent vintage - football, not so much. But in one of the best stories of the season, the Blue Devils are improbably within one win of the ACC's Coastal Division title and a shot at Florida State in the ACC championship game. And of course, North Carolina stands in the way. Duke is the underdog against the Tar Heels, who have won five consecutive games after a disastrous 1-5 start and could turn the Coastal into chaos with a win.

USC

Ed Orgeron's quest for fun has become something more, with a groundswell of support to remove that "interim" tag from his title. It's probably a quixotic dream, Coach "O" as USC's head coach going forward. Pat Haden would be well-served to consider very carefully the long-term ramifications of the decision. Still, a victory against crosstown rival UCLA would be another point in Orgeron's favor. It would also slow the momentum Jim Mora's program has gathered, making it easier for the next coach (whoever he is) to restore what the Trojans see as the rightful order of things.

Clemson

The Tigers were all but forgotten after that mid-October showdown with Florida State became a beatdown. But they've quietly won four in a row and moved back up the rankings - and into serious contention for a BCS at-large berth. Dabo Swinney's bunch hasn't beaten South Carolina since 2008. Whether the season can be salvaged, then, hinges on winning the first Palmetto Bowl matchup of Top 10 teams. Not to be forgotten: The offseason comments by South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, who said Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd was afraid of him. Boyd laughed it off â?? but in two previous starts against the Gamecocks, he's turned in two of his worst performances.

Georgia

Continuing with the in-state rivalries that are also ACC vs. SEC, even a few weeks ago Georgia vs. Georgia Tech wouldn't have seemed like much of a game. But nothing has come easily this season for Georgia. A season to forget got worse last week, when the Bulldogs lost senior quarterback Aaron Murray to a torn ACL. Without the SEC's all-time leading passer, the Bulldogs turn to junior Hutson Mason. He was good against Kentucky in relief. He'll need to keep it up to help the reeling Bulldogs.

Washington

The Huskies' annual Apple Cup meeting with Washington State is always big, but it feels somehow bigger this time around. After an up-and-down season - hot start, rough October, nice rebound - Steve Sarkisian's bunch is 7-4. If the mark seems familiar, it's because after going 5-7 in 2009, his first season, Sarkisian's past three teams have finished 7-6. An eighth victory would represent at least incremental progress. It could have come last year, except Washington State rallied from an 18-point deficit to win.

George Schroeder, a national college football reporter for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @GeorgeSchroeder.